The SACQSP held its 6^th annual research conference in Cape Town this year and eleven student delegates from our department were privileged to be among the many professionals and industry players present. This year’s conference was themed: Green Vision 20/20 and it was geared towards raising awareness, within the quantity surveying fraternity, of the role that quantity surveyors can play in developing and sustaining green objectives and principles during projects. 

We were quite excited at the prospect of hearing the keynote speakers and at that of the academic papers being delivered. We were not disappointed. At the end of the two days it was clear to all that it is not just a matter of morals but it also makes business sense to “go green”. That the building industry has a great opportunity to leave a Legacy; to change the way we build.

What we take away from the conference is not only the benefits of green building but what this means for us as the future decision makers, we too have an opportunity to make an impact, to change perceptions and overcome perceived barriers. As the green industry grows, so do the opportunities.